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Three ways to make your roof more energy-efficient

This includes using a Cool Roof coating, add insulation to your attic, and install solar shingles.

There are three main ways to make your roof more energy-efficient. These include using an excellent roof coating, adding insulation to your attic, and installing solar shingles. These solutions show a dramatic reduction in your energy bills. If this interests you in making your roof more energy-efficient, you may want to consult with a roofing professional.

Cool roof coating

Installing cool roof coatings can save you money on energy bills while improving your home’s energy efficiency. This roofing solution is made up of spray polyurethane foam that reduces heat build-up and extends the life of your asphalt roofing system. It also prevents moisture build-up, which is beneficial in the summer months.

Cool roof coatings are the best effective where the climate is temperate, and there aren’t extreme temperatures. The coatings keep the building cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning, which lowers energy bills. Some cool roofs also contain UV-blocking pigments, which reflect harmful UV rays. These roof coatings are very durable and can last for decades. However, homeowners in humid climates should be careful not to apply them on steeply pitched roofs, as they may raise the heat island index.

Some cool roof coatings offer color options. For example, a white roof coating may reflect about 80% of the sun’s rays. Another option is a pigmented coating, reflecting about 20 percent of solar heat. Aluminum roof coatings are another option involving flakes of aluminum suspended in a resin. These coatings can reduce electricity use by 10 to 30 percent.

New York has also launched Cool Neighborhoods NYC, focusing on neighborhoods with the highest heat vulnerability index. This initiative requires new neighborhood buildings to incorporate solar panels, reflective surfaces, and green roofs. This program will help the city reach its goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.

Cool roof coatings are also an affordable way to make your roof more energy-efficient. By reflecting solar energy, they can help reduce energy costs associated with heating and air conditioning systems. The benefits are even more significant in hot climates. Depending on your location and the availability of natural shade, you can save up to 40 percent on your cooling bills.

While there are some common myths about cool roofs, it’s important to note that there is no one definition. While cool roofs can be either a single layer of material or a series of reflective tiles, they all have the same effect: to reduce the heat transfer from your roof to your interior.

Three ways to make your roof more energy-efficient

Insulating your attic

Insulating your roof can result in substantial energy savings. It prevents hot and cold air from escaping your home. However, high-quality insulation alone cannot prevent all hot air leaks, which wastes energy and cause structural damage. The warm air escapes through a roof is also a source of moisture and can seep into the building’s materials.

The insulation also controls the temperature of your home, which helps reduce pressure on the HVAC system. Insulation will keep cold and hot air out by preventing heat from escaping. The “Stack Effect” causes hot air to rise naturally, making insulation essential for a comfortable home.

If your attic does not have proper insulation, you will notice uneven temperatures in your rooms, which can cause drafts and high temperatures. Attics often have no insulation, so they receive heat directly from the sun. This can make your ceilings cold during winter and hot in summer. In addition, if you see the snow melt from the roof during winter, your attic’s insulation is likely inadequate.

When you install attic insulation, make sure to begin at the perimeter of the attic and work toward the hatch or door. Make sure to install the insulation deep enough to reach the desired R-value and to avoid thermal bridging. This is due to the wood framing in the attic, which can create gaps that allow air to pass through. After you’ve finished, shower or wash your work clothes and gloves to avoid absorbing the fibers. Once the attic insulation is installed, block the area around the door or hatch with blocking to prevent air from entering.

The R-value of the insulation is an essential consideration for energy efficiency. The Department of Energy recommends that attic insulation have an R-value of at least 30. However, it is essential to understand that a higher R-value does not offer a higher ROI. This is because the costs of adding more insulation offset the efficiency gains from insulating your attic.

There are several types of attic insulation. Certain types are more effective than others in preventing leaks. Foam insulation, for example, is a good sealer and insulator. You should also install a vapor barrier in your attic to seal it properly.

Installing solar shingles

Installing solar shingles could be the best option if you want to make your roof more energy-efficient. These shingles can be installed quickly and can even replace existing asphalt shingles. The cost of solar shingles varies, depending on the square footage and the type of shingles used. Before you decide on solar shingles, have the budget to cover the project.

The GAF Timberline solar shingle is a good choice for those looking to make their roofs energy-efficient. These shingles are designed to be installed with a nail gun, and the electrical components are on top. This allows for easier servicing and maintenance, though it may require more frequent servicing than traditional asphalt shingles. Plus, they are approximately 20 inches longer than the typical Tesla Solar Roof shingle, making them easier to install.

CertainTeed makes two varieties of solar shingles. The latter is an excellent option for homeowners who want a roof with high energy efficiency but do not want a solar panel-like appearance. This product is also more cost-effective and may even be more affordable than conventional solar systems.

Luma Solar is another popular option for solar shingles. Its shingles feature 16 monocrystalline cells and a stated energy efficiency of 21%. This is far more energy-efficient than most solar panels on the market. These shingles also offer the benefit of being waterproof and fire-resistant.

If you plan to install solar shingles, you should check the warranty the manufacturer offers. This warranty will cover the installation of solar shingles and may also cover any optional upgrades. Some warranties include one or 10-10-year electrical artistry and 25-year wind coverage. Some even come with coverage for third-party electrical components.

A variety of companies can install solar shingles. You can also apply for solar tax credits, rebates, and other incentives that help you offset the installation costs. The federal incentive program provides 30% of the cost of the system as a tax credit. This credit is valid through 2032.

SunTegra solar shingles are similar to traditional roof tiles designed to replace existing ones. These shingles use copper-indium gallium-selenide (CIGS) cells to convert sunlight into electricity. This reduces energy costs and reduces your carbon footprint. The shingles can last for up to 30 years at peak performance.

Cool roof coatings are effective at reducing the temperature of your roof. They are applied to the roofing of your house to reduce the amount of sunlight that penetrates the roof and the attic. In the summer, this will help keep the temperature down in your house, reducing cooling costs. In the winter, it will help keep the heat in your house, reducing heating costs.

Kyle Houck

President

About the Author

Kyle Houck is the President of Eastern Exteriors, LLC.

Eastern Exteriors, LLC is a family-owned company based in Frederick, Maryland. From new roof installation and roof repairs by professional roofers to premium window installations and expert siding installation, we are a full-service exteriors and contractor roofing company. And, if storms blow your way, we’ll be there to assess and repair the damage quickly.

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